BLM Colorado, White River Field Office partners with Meeker Mustang Makeover

The White River Field Office partnered with the Meeker Mustang Makeover to pair 20 wild horses from Utah and Wyoming with trainers from across Colorado to compete for prizes and scholarships after 120 days of training.

The pick-up event was held at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds April 30, and special guest Steve Mantle provided two training clinics during morning and afternoon sessions.    

Last year’s Yearling division Grand Champion, Jade Messano from Montrose, signed up for another round of training when she drew a grey female which she promptly named “It’s Classified.”

There are two divisions, a Yearling division for youth trainers ages 10-17, and an Under Saddle division for trainers 15 and over.

Horses are randomly assigned, but according to Messano, “she [It’s Classified] is the best, she came all the way from Chloride Cannon in Utah to be with me.”

Messano loves seeing the horses transformation from pick up to end and how loyal they are.

“I want to get her to trust me and see how far we can come,” said Messano. “I want whatever is best for her – she is going to be a good horse.”

Messano said it was by-chance that she became involved in the program. “I had a friend that was in the program and she said you should come over and see this,” said Messano. “After seeing the transformation, I thought this was so cool.”

“I have gained so much confidence by being in the program,” said Messano. “I have four horses that I am training this year, but for me, the fastest way to get something done is to go slow!”

BLM Colorado wishes the best to all the trainers competing in this year’s Meeker Mustang Makeover.  

The final competition is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the Rio Blanco Fairgrounds.